Bexar Texas Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is an important aspect of the legal system in Bexar County, Texas. This instruction, often given by a judge to a deadlocked jury during deliberations, is designed to encourage jurors to continue their efforts to reach a unanimous verdict. The Modified Allen Charge, also known as the Dynamite Charge, is a specific type of jury instruction used to break jury deadlock when jury members are unable to reach a unanimous decision. It is named after the pivotal 1896 Supreme Court case of Allen v. United States, which established the framework for this type of instruction. The purpose of the Modified Allen Charge is to persuade jurors who are in the minority to give further consideration to the majority's viewpoint, while also urging the majority to reconsider the arguments made by the minority. It emphasizes the importance of deliberation and promotes open-mindedness among jurors rather than forcibly trying to reach a verdict. Several variations of the Modified Allen Charge may be employed in Bexar County, Texas. These include the "Texas Pattern Jury Charge 1.014 — Allen Instruction" and the "Texas Pattern Jury Charge 2.00 — Modified Allen Instruction." These charges may differ slightly in their wording but share the same objective — urging deadlocked jurors to engage in fruitful discussion, goodwill, and a sincere reassessment of their positions. The Bexar Texas Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge should not exert undue pressure on jurors or coerce them into reaching a verdict against their best judgment. It merely encourages jurors to reevaluate their positions and engage in respectful conversation with one another. The ultimate goal is to foster a fair and just decision-making process. In conclusion, the Bexar Texas Jury Instruction — Modified Allen Charge is a crucial tool used to break deadlocks in the jury deliberation process. It promotes communication, reflection, and reevaluation among jurors without infringing upon their individual decision-making rights. By using this instruction, the court aims to encourage a unanimous verdict based on careful deliberation and respect for differing viewpoints.